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Red-hot Bulldawgs one win away from state softball title

By Teddy Feinberg/tfeinberg@lcsun-news.com

Posted:
05/17/2013 09:49:30 AM MDT

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Las Cruces High pitcher Danette Diaz removes her glove and smiles after the Bulldawgs defeated Carlsbad 10-1 in the Class 5A State Softball Championships semifinals round Friday at Cleveland High School. Las Cruces High will play in the 5A Championship game at 2 p.m. today at the University of New Mexico Softball Field.

Right when it matters most, everything seems to be clicking for the Las Cruces Bulldawgs softball team.

Las Cruces High's offense, formidable when running on all cylinders, has scored 49 runs during it's four State Championship playoff games thus far in 2013. The Bulldawgs defense has been solid, and their pitching staff has held it's own during this week's state tournament.

Ranked No. 1 in state, LCHS had little trouble with the No. 2-seeded Carlsbad Cavegirls during Friday's state semifinals game, winning 10-1 at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho.

The Bulldawgs will now compete in Saturday's State Championship contest against either No. 2 Carlsbad or No. 3 Cibola (the Cougars beat the Cavegirls 9-6 in a single-elimination semifinals game Friday afternoon) at 2 p.m. at the University of New Mexico Softball Field.

If LCHS wins Saturday's opening contest, the state title is theirs. If the Bulldawgs lose the 2 p.m. showdown, the two teams will meet again in a winner-take-all affair at 8 p.m. tonight, rounding out the double-elimination tournament and, in turn, the 2013 season.

"I'm not one to be content," head coach Will Garcia said. "We need to stay focused. Anything can happen in the playoffs. When it's all said and done, hopefully we can let out a sigh of relief and say we are the best. Until then, I can't relax."

Going into and during state tournament play, the Bulldawgs have simply been on fire.

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They're a senior-led team - players such as Alexis Dotson, Audrey Velasquez, Alyssa Montoya and Briana Minjarez have provided strong guidance and performance throughout the year's totality. In part for that reason, LCHS appears to currently be on a mission, and everything looks to be in place for them making a serious run at the state hardware.

Friday saw pitcher Danette Diaz throw another complete game, and while LCHS won their 8 a.m. contest against the Cavegirls, the remaining of Friday's single-elimination bracket had to play throughout the afternoon, while the Bulldawgs were able to get some rest heading into Saturday's championship round.

"It's helping the team as far as them being focused and them jelling together even more," Garcia said. "These girls don't leave each other's side for anything. And I think that's going to play a major role in what happens (Saturday).

"Whoever we play will have some momentum as well," the head coach added. "We're not taking anything for granted at this point."

In Friday's win, Alexis Dotson went 2 for 5 with two RBI and two stolen bases; Audrey Velasquez went 3 for 4; Bailey Terry went 3 for 3 with two RBI; Briana Minjarez went 3 for 4 with three RBI; Taylor Lopez went 3 for 4; and Valerie Macias went 2 for 4.
The Bulldawgs pounded out 18 hits on the day.

Garcia talked about how critics of his team argued the Bulldawgs didn't deserve the No. 1 seed in the state tournament, which has helped keep the club focused and may have fueled it's fire.

"When we got to the playoffs, we were always talking about striving for perfection," the head coach said. "I dont think we're there yet, I think we can always get better. But I can't get these girls to talk about anything but the game.

"There's an energy right now with this team, and I cant explain it."

Teddy Feinberg can be reached at (575) 541-5455. Follow him on Twitter @TeddyFeinberg

Saturday's game

Who: No. 1 Las Cruces High vs. No. 3 Cibola

What: Class 5A State Softball Championship

Where: University of New Mexico Softball Field, Albuquerque

When: Game 1 is at 2 p.m. Game 2, if necessary, is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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